Research Interests

My research focuses on the social and political interactions of natural resources management (broadly) and other domains such as phytotechology, plant sciences, adventure recreation, parks, and landscape architecture. My research helps inform elected officials, environmental leaders, stakeholders, opinion leaders, public managers, environmental scientists, and network participants how to engage more productively in collaborations and networks. I am a social scientist who employs both quantitative and qualitative research methods including statistical analysis, survey research, focus groups, organization diagnostics, social capital assessment, social network analysis, program evaluation, and policy analysis.

Teaching Expertise

My teaching expertise is in human dimensions of natural resources. I cover a wide range of social and political science in the realms of natural resources, phytotechnology, landscape architecture and planning intended to prepare students to be “society ready.” Domains include leadership and management, team development, public policy processes, attitudes and behaviors, values and norms, social networks, social capital, program evaluation, and legislative affairs.

Extension Outreach Responsibilities

I have been responsible to helping Connecticut’s cities and towns’ better manage their public trees and forests (urban forest management). My extension outreach education and research addresses urban forestry issues focusing on tree wardens, natural resource volunteers and professionals, and municipal and elected officials. This is accomplished through targeted programs, presentations, and publications developed as a result of needs assessments and program evaluations. I am also engaged in outreach education and research in forest resources issues generally, phytotechnology and remediation, adventure recreation, and parks and recreation.

Honors and Awards

2008

Alfred D. Bell Fellowship, Forest History Society

2005

Extension Award of Excellence, University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture
and Natural Resources

2004

Award of Excellence, Northeast Extension Directors

2002

Elected Fellow, Society of American Foresters (SAF)

2003

James W. Toumey Service Award, New England SAF

1997

Gamma Sigma Delta, Agriculture Honor Society

1996

Young Forester Leadership Award, New England SAF

1995

Berg Conservation Policy Fellow, National Soil and Water Conservation Society

Saska, M.M., Y.A. Kuzovkina, and R.M. Ricard. 2010. North American willow cut-stem growers: a survey of the business identities, production practices and prospective for the crop. HortTechnology 20(2): 351-356.